“This is true regardless of the season, so it is very important to maintain healthy habits and proper hygiene throughout the year to help prevent the spread of germs,” he adds.

So, with this in mind, here’s where to be extra vigilant…

Desk

Give your home office some extra attention, as a desk can harbour 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. In particular, the area where you rest your hand can clock up nearly 10,000,000 bacteria.

Showerhead

Research suggests your showerhead could be a potential breeding ground for bacteria, which then contaminates the water as it comes out. In particular, it could be harbouring mycobacterium avium, which can cause respiratory infections in people with a weak immune system.

Prevent blockages caused by limescale in your showerhead by using Viakal Bathroom Limescale Spray regularly, and periodically soak the showerhead overnight in a vinegar and water solution.

Bed sheets

Thanks to any sweat, dirt or make-up that may be left on your skin when you crawl into bed, just one night’s sleep can leave dust mites, dead skin cells, bacteria and even – prepare yourself! – faeces particles behind.

Aim to clean your sheets at least once a week to ensure your bed is bacteria-free. As for the duvets themselves, in between trips to the dry cleaners use Febreze Fabric Refresher Allergen Reducer, which kills 95% of inanimate allergens that become airborne from fabrics including pollen, pet dander and dust mite matter.

Chopping board

Did you know the average wooden cutting board has 200% more faecal bacteria than the average toilet seat, and that illness-causing bacteria such as E coli can survive for days, even months, on kitchen surfaces like countertops and cutting boards?

No? Well now you do, so remember to disinfect your chopping boards regularly and thoroughly after each use.

Barbecue

Research shows that, on average, people only clean their barbecue twice a year, making it a breeding ground for harmful germs such as listeria, salmonella and E coli.

I have OCD

I don't think you can be careful enough, when it comes to cleaning your house. I think people clean the washroom sinks, they forget to clean the outer side of it, the same applies for the toilet, cupboards, and even cleaning products. I hate dust, and water marks. Especially when you are in a washroom and all the rarely used products are dusty. I have to wipe them. Things collect dust when not in use on a regular basis. So wipe away dust from the inside out.

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dish washing by hand

24/05/2017

I use my microwave to disinfect my dishcloth, scrubbers and kitchen sponge.